NHS staff win national training award raising awareness of autistic people and people with learning disabilities
Local NHS staff have won a national award for their work to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Emma Murray, Adam Baker and Daniel John, from the local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), deliver the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism to health and social care staff throughout Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
They were awarded the inaugural Oliver McGowan Trainer Award at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards ceremony in Birmingham on 21 June.
The training programme is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man from Bristol, whose tragic death highlighted the need for health and social care staff to have better skills, knowledge and understanding of the needs of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
The three trainers are part of a team that has delivered the training to more than 3,300 staff in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire since the local programme was introduced in October 2023.
Shane Devlin, Chief Executive of NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Emma, Adam and Daniel for achieving this award. It recognises our commitment to ensuring all health and care staff have the skills and knowledge they need to provide safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability.”
The Oliver McGowan Training Award acknowledges the importance of trainers who have incorporated the principles of the mandatory training into their training programme.
The judges from The Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, said:
“Emma, Daniel and Adam are champions for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism and are shining examples of Oliver’s Training in action. They truly live the values of Oliver’s Training and are dedicated to making sure we all learn from the mistakes of the past and move forward.
“They are professional, dedicated and work as a team, with co-trainers supporting and encouraging each other. They are committed to delivering Oliver’s Training and leading positive change across health and social care in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System.”
Trainer Emma Murray said:
“It is great to have this recognition for our work. We’re passionate about delivering this training and improving people’s understanding of the needs of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.”
More information about the training can be found on the Health Education England website.
